Tucked into the slopes of Mount Archer and rideable from Rockhampton’s city centre, First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve is one of Queensland’s most impressive riding destinations. Despite hosting state level events and attracting attention from national media, many first-time visitors have the same reaction – surprise at just how extensive and varied the trail network is, and how close it sits to town.

First Turkey didn’t come from a large capital works program or a top-down tourism plan. It exists and continues to improve because of a committed local mountain bike community, led by the Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club, that has built momentum through people, persistence and planning.

A park that builds community

First Turkey might have a great mix of trails, but it’s more than that. It’s a place where a mountain bike community has formed and grown. That sense of connection is visible every day in the car park and on the trails with families unloading bikes, kids riding in all conditions, and visitors discovering the network for the first time.

Over the Christmas period, club members noticed a steady stream of travelling riders stopping in at First Turkey. “There was quite a few people I met in the car park who had those scratch maps of mountain biking in Queensland,” says Myall Stevens, Club Vice President of Rockhampton Mountain Bike Club. “They’d come to First Turkey to scratch it off and then end up staying an extra night or two.”

Recent trail openings have drawn crowds of 150 to 200 people, many of them children. “Easily 70 per cent of the people there were kids,” Stevens says. “They’re in there regularly – rain, hail or shine.”

That regular use has helped foster a strong local riding culture, supported by social rides, women’s rides, coffee rides and a growing youth program. As club member Rolley Tickner explains, “It’s about building the community up. We run a lot of social rides, and they’re all a little bit different – not everything has to be serious riding.”

2025 was a big year for Rocky MTB, given the extensive damage from severe rain events. Volunteers spent 1000 hours trying to keep the trails maintained. Rocky MTB also had Stanwell Corp donating $33,000 to rebuild the green flow trail Whipsnake, and thanks to ongoing support from donations and businesses they could engage a local builder for ongoing trail maintenance or rebuild works.

For those looking for airtime, the popular jump line Dirtclowns has also been rebuilt by local builder CQ Mini Excavations.

The importance of volunteers

Maintaining a trail network the size of First Turkey is no small task, particularly in a region prone to heavy rain and extreme weather. The club relies on volunteers to keep trails safe and rideable, prioritising the most popular routes and responding quickly after major weather events. Their Facebook page has regular updates about conditions, trail closures, working bees and of course – rides.

“Primarily it’s volunteer-based,” Stevens says. “We go in with a purpose. We’ll run working bees focused on the most popular trails and what needs attention after weather or heavy use.”

Those working bees aren’t just about shovels and rakes. The club has been actively looking for new ways to involve people who can’t make traditional weekend sessions. “There’s only a finite number of people that are willing or able to turn up,” Stevens explains. “So we’re looking at reaching out to other community groups.”

Importantly, the club has found that giving people responsibility builds long-term commitment. “People like to have responsibility,” Stevens says. “They want ownership of stuff. If they feel like a trail is theirs, they’ll turn up for it.”

Trails as a regional opportunity

First Turkey is increasingly recognised as a regional asset, not just a local one. State-level events are now firmly on the calendar, bringing riders and spectators to Rockhampton and helping showcase the park’s potential.

“What that’s shown council is that we have the ability to run events of that scale,” Stevens says. “And that’s sparked a bit more interest in what this place can be.”

The park’s location is a major advantage. “It’s not a 10-minute drive, or a 20-minute drive to get here,  you can ride to the trail from the centre of town,” Stevens says. That accessibility makes First Turkey valuable for locals and appealing for visitors looking for a rideable, stay-and-play destination.

With the Queensland Government pushing regional and eco-tourism as part of a Queensland 2045 campaign – the work that Rockhampton MTB Club has undertaken over decades may just be a perfect example of how a community can create a nationally significant outdoor recreation attraction, while still benefitting from it themselves.

People matter

One of the most important lessons from Rockhampton is that there’s no special formula or hidden advantage at play. Progress has come from people: strong leadership, skilled volunteers and a willingness to keep building momentum.

“It’s definitely people,” Tickner says. “There’s always been great leaders and a lot of passion for mountain biking. When those things mix together, people feed off each other and it generates a lot of goodwill.”

Local businesses also play a critical supporting role, helping cover everyday costs such as tools, fuel and consumables. While council support has improved in recent years, particularly around approvals, the club remains largely self-driven.

First Turkey into the future

To move from incremental improvements to long-term impact, the Rockhampton MTB Club has developed a master plan for First Turkey. This isn’t just about new trails; it’s about embedding mountain biking into broader regional planning.

“We had to put a master plan in place,” Stevens says. “If a club wants to build and get bigger and better, that plan needs to be embedded in the strategic intent of council.”

A central part of that vision is a proper trailhead, with toilets, change rooms, skills areas and space for families and beginners. “That’s a huge ticket item,” Stevens says. “It’s not just for mountain bikers, it should be a community hub.”

Facilities like these help address equity and access, making it easier for women, kids, new riders and visiting families to use the park comfortably and confidently.

Another potential project in the region is the Yeppoon to Rockhampton rail trail – a foundational piece of riding infrastructure that assists active transport planning but can also attract a greater tourism base.

First Turkey Mountain Bike Park shows what’s possible when community, planning and persistence come together. It’s proof that regional trail networks don’t need to wait for perfect conditions to thrive.

When Richard and Andrea first stepped into the world of e-bikes, they weren’t just buying a business, they were taking on a mission and starting new careers.

“We wanted to continue the vision Bruce had when he started Blind Freddy Electric Bikes,” Andrea says, reflecting on their decision to take over the business in 2019. “It was about giving people access to cycling who might not otherwise have it whether that’s because of age, ability, or confidence.”

At the time, the demand for electric bikes was surging. When the COVID pandemic arrived with COVID lockdowns, this pushed more people toward cycling, and the introduction of the NDIS had created new opportunities for mobility solutions. It was a huge period of growth for anyone in the bike industry – especially for those able to deliver more creative mobility solutions. “We could see the potential,” Richard explains. “But it wasn’t just about selling bikes. It was about problem-solving, customising, and finding ways for people to keep moving.”

EveryBody eBikes quickly became known for its willingness to say yes to the hard questions. If someone came in with a unique need, a trike that needed a motor, an adaptive handlebar, or a cargo solution, Richard and Andrea would find a way.

Andrea recalls one family who had struggled to ride together for years: “They came in almost at breaking point – mum, dad, and a young adult son who couldn’t ride a standard bike. When we got him set up and riding, the parents just cried. It meant they could finally go out as a family and share that experience.”

Richard adds: “You can see the weight lift off their shoulders. Suddenly cycling isn’t a barrier – it’s freedom.”

Floods, relocations, and resilience

Their journey hasn’t been without challenges. The shop was badly affected by flooding, forcing them to find a new home while keeping the business running. “That was a stressful period,” Andrea admits. “We were split between a workshop here, a warehouse there and the shop under our home for a while… it wasn’t ideal for the team or for customers.”

The move to Gaythorne has changed everything.

“Having everyone under one roof is huge,” Richard says. “The workshop, warehouse, showroom are all in the same place. It means customers can see the bikes, test ride them straight out the door, and we can talk through solutions on the spot.”

Andrea agrees: “The new space is modern, light, and welcoming. People feel comfortable walking in. And from a business perspective, it’s efficient. We’re not wasting time moving bikes and stock back and forth. It’s made us better at what we do.”

A look inside the Gaythorne shop and it’s clear this is more than a retail floor. While the modern show room is a great space with a range of e-bikes, e-trikes and accessories on display, the workshop is a hum of activity. There are lifts to work on the side-by-side e-mobility devices and e-trikes, and a huge range of specific spare parts and even tooling for fabrication. Everything that mechanics will need to service e-bikes through to fine-tuning custom builds.

“That’s where the magic happens,” Richard says with a grin. “Every rider is different. Sometimes it’s as simple as swapping a handlebar. Other times it’s a full custom job. But the goal is always the same – to get that person on a bike that suits them.” Whether that’s for a commute along the Kedron Brook bike path, an e-bike to ride to the shops or to take the kids to school, or a modified e-trike for someone with lower mobility – they receive the same service and attention.

One story that stands out for Andrea is of a man in Rockhampton who hadn’t ridden in decades. “He is usually wheelchair-bound and thought he’d never ride again,” she says. “When he came back from his first ride, the look on his face said it all. Forty years off the bike, and he was back. Those are the moments that keep us going.”

E-Bikes for every body

The name EveryBody eBikes isn’t just a clever play on words, it’s a statement of intent.

“We really do mean every body,” Andrea says. “We stock e-bikes for commuters, cargo bikes & trikes for passengers and families, recreational riders and travellers, and people who just want something fun. But we also specialise in solutions for people who might have been excluded from cycling before – “wobbly” riders who have lost confidence, older riders and people with disabilities, those recovering from injury or requiring additional supports to feel safe.”

Richard nods. “It’s about finding the right bike for the right body. Sometimes that’s a two-wheeler. Sometimes it’s a trike. Sometimes it’s a cargo bike with a child seat or two. Whatever it is, it should make you feel good and give you the confidence to ride.”

Their work doesn’t stop at the shopfront. Richard and Andrea are passionate about improving the infrastructure that supports accessible cycling.

“We talk to councils about path widths, bollard spacing, curb ramps,” Richard says. “If you’re on a passenger trike or a cargo bike, those things matter. If you can’t get past a bollard, that path might as well not exist.”

Andrea adds that education is just as important: “We do exhibitions, we go to NDIS expos, we talk to planners. The more people understand what’s possible, the better the outcomes for riders.”

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Richard and Andrea see a huge opportunity to reshape how the city moves.

“We’d love to see Brisbane really embrace riding as a mode of transport,” Andrea says. “Not just for the athletes, but for everyone. Imagine a city where kids, grandparents, and people with disabilities can all ride safely to where they need to go. That’s what we’re working towards.”

One element of that would be the creation of a Brisbane Bike Library – where a range of e-bikes are available for the community to trial. Examples exist in Noosa and Hobart, and are an ideal way for people to see if the mode shift works for them.

For all the talk of infrastructure, logistics, and business operations, what drives Richard and Andrea is far simpler.

“Everyone should be able to feel the wind in their hair,” Andrea says. “That’s what cycling gives you. It’s freedom, it’s joy, and it’s something we believe everyone should have access to.”

Richard smiles and sums it up: “We’re not just selling bikes. We’re helping people rediscover what’s possible.”

Tucked into the bustling heart of Woolloongabba, Planet Cycles has long held a reputation as one of Brisbane’s iconic bike shops. Planet Cycles are also a BQ Link retail member, essential partners for Bicycle Queensland, sharing our message and cause with their new and existing customers. For Dimity Scott, who now manages the store, the reputation attached with Planet Cycles wasn’t just inherited, it’s something she and her team are proud to uphold every day.

“Planet is a bit of a legacy in Brisbane. It’s a very well-known bike shop,” Dimity says. “It’s always been the benchmark that other stores have looked to. We have set a standard as a premium store, with premium service and premium products. And that’s what we aim to continue.”

That focus on quality goes beyond the bikes themselves. Dimity sees the store’s greatest strength in its people, both on the shop floor and on the tools in the workshop

“For me, the best part about this store is the team. The experience is unbelievable, and it spans across road, cross-country, downhill, e-bikes, gravel – just about everything,” she says. “It means we can give customers genuine, well-rounded advice no matter what kind of riding they’re into.”

In an era where bikes are constantly evolving, having a shop that keeps pace with both technology and service expectations is crucial. Dimity says one of the key roles of a reliable bike shop today is to help riders, especially those newer to the scene, make sense of the tech.

“Keeping up with the technological changes is hard, even for us,” she says. “So for someone who’s not mechanically minded, having a shop that can explain things, take care of the bike, and keep them riding smoothly is really important.”

This is especially true for the e-bike market, with the technology introducing a bunch of terms and numbers that need educated staff to explain and contextualise. Given e-bikes cross just about every genre, thankfully the Planet Cycles crew are well up to speed – pun intended.

While the store has always been strong in the road cycling space, Planet Cycles is also embracing the growing appeal of gravel. Their new monthly social ride is already building momentum among a wide mix of riders.

“On the last Sunday of the month, we meet at the Fernvale Information Centre and head out to Coominya and back,” Dimity explains. “It depends on the group, but no one gets dropped. Some people go a bit harder, and others just cruise—it’s about having fun and enjoying the ride.”

The appeal of gravel, especially to those with a road riding background like Dimity, is easy to understand.

“You’re out in nature, no traffic, no noise – it’s just relaxing. You can actually have a chat with your mates and enjoy being on the bike. Then you grab a coffee after and start your day feeling great.”

The ride has attracted everyone from occasional riders getting back into cycling to super-keen new gravel converts, and that is Dimity finds genuinely rewarding.

“We’ve had people who ride once every six months and want to get back into it, right through to those with brand new gravel bikes who just want to be out there as much as possible. That variety is what makes it great.”

In-store, Planet Cycles continues to give riders the chance to experience some of the latest gear firsthand. As a Specialized dealer their demo fleet includes the a variety of the brand’s class-leading e-bikes, along with select other models. Dimity is quick to confirm that their test rides are the real deal as well.

“You don’t just ride around the car park, you can take them out for a day or a weekend and actually see what it’s like,” Dimity says. “It’s a great way for people to explore the e-bike scene properly.”

As a BQ Link retail partner, Planet Cycles is also aligned with Bicycle Queensland’s broader goals – to grow riding across all levels and styles, and help make Queensland a safer, more accessible place to ride.

“I think Bicycle Queensland does an amazing job of promoting cycling – not just as a sport but as something fun and healthy to do,” Dimity says. “Their work pushing for infrastructure is huge. I ride 20km to work each way and I’m hardly on the road at all, which from a safety point of view is fantastic.”

For Dimity and the team at Planet Cycles, the motivation is simple: they love bikes, and they want more people riding them.

“We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t love it,” she says. “Partnering with BQ is a way for us to help grow the industry and support the community. Whether it’s through events, advocacy, or just helping someone have a better ride.”

Visit Planet Cycles website.

When Harriet Muir returned to Brisbane in 2023, the question looming over her was simple: to buy a car, or not to buy a car?

Like many parents with young children, Harriet faced daily logistics, rising costs of living, and environmental concerns. But rather than sign up for car ownership, she chose to roll with a a solution that looked to make more sense.

“I didn’t really want to buy a car, for different reasons,” Harriet says. “The expense of it, but also I’m pretty environmentally conscious and I just thought, there surely is another way.”

That “other way” turned out to be an electric cargo bike. Inspired by friends who’d recently added one as a second vehicle, Harriet was intrigued – but hesitant. “Although I could see the huge money savings by replacing a car with an eBike, buying one outright was out of reach for me at the time,” Harriet said.

Harriet did some research and found Lug+Carrie, a subscription-based e-bike service. “It was perfect for me. While I was very keen to not have a car and get around by bike, I wasn’t completely convinced that it would be viable. I’ve got two small kids. I thought it was a little bit crazy.”

Crazy or not, the family took the plunge. Two years later, they’re still going strong – still without a car, and still just getting around by bike.

Going car-free with two young children would seem almost impossible for a lot of people. But for Harriet, the surprises have been mostly positive.

“To be honest, there haven’t been as many [challenges] as I thought,” she says. “We live 4kms from the city and there’s really great bike infrastructure – which I honestly had no idea existed until I started riding.”

It wasn’t just the shared paths and bike ways that were a pleasant surprise, Harriet also found the riding was easier than imagined. “It seemed like a pretty weird thing to ride with both my kids on the back, but my confidence surprised me. I wouldn’t call myself a cyclist… but it’s been much easier than I expected. The challenges that I thought might have existed haven’t actually really existed.”

More than just transport, the bike has brought unexpected joy and connection to Harriet’s young children.

“My youngest was eighteen months old when we got the bike and my oldest was four,” she says. “My youngest – one of her first words was bike. In the morning, they used to chant ‘bike, bike, bike!’ and then we’d jump on and ride wherever we were going.”

The benefits for getting around by bike go beyond sustainability and cost savings – Harriet finds that with her kids they interact with their local area in a way that just wouldn’t be possible in a car. “Even if you are going from A to B, there are stop-offs along the way and it’s a lot more engaging for the kids,” Harriet says. “You might stop off and have a look at some turtles… then there’s a playground. You don’t get that in the car when you’re just driving along stuck in traffic.”

Harriet’s growing passion for everyday cycling led her to work in the marketing team at Lug+Carrie. Through that role, she was introduced to Bicycle Queensland – and soon became a member.

“I was really taken by the advocacy work that Bicycle Queensland do,” she says. “Until you’re riding a bike every day, you don’t really think about how important it is to keep cycling at the forefront of all these conversations.”

From protecting and expanding bike infrastructure to promoting safe, accessible options for all riders, Harriet quickly saw how vital BQ’s work was.

“It’s not just maintaining the existing stuff, but investing in new infrastructure. The work Bicycle Queensland do there is super important.”

Despite her optimism, Harriet doesn’t underestimate the challenges facing cycling in Queensland.

“I think the challenge is helping people see that cycling isn’t just for recreation – it’s actually a really viable option for transportation,” she says. “Unfortunately, we’re still a really car-focused country – and particularly city in Brisbane.”

With the city’s population growing and congestion increasing, Harriet sees active transport as a necessary part of the solution. “Brisbane is becoming less liveable because of the traffic problems… I just think the advocacy role is one that needs to be done with discipline. It’s a constant: staying at the forefront, reminding, and growing that voice.”

But Harriet is hopeful. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, there’s a real opportunity to reshape the city’s priorities.

“I’m feeling optimistic,” she says. “Looking at what happened in Paris and what’s happening in LA for those Olympic Games, I hope that will help active transport be front and centre here in Brisbane.”

“I look at cities around the world where biking is the main form of transport and find it so inspiring… I can see so much potential here as well for Brisbane and Queensland.”

For now, Harriet and her family continue to do what works for their inner-city life. She may not call herself a cyclist, but Harriet is part of a growing community of Queenslanders redefining what everyday transport looks like. And if you hear a couple of tiny voices chanting “bike, bike, bike!” in the morning, you’ll know exactly why.

Bikes are at the heart of what a lot of Bicycle Queensland staff and members do. A bike can represent freedom, escape, sustainability, equity, or opportunity. At TRACTION for Young People, bikes – paired with the power of positive role models – have become a vehicle for something even greater: sparking real momentum in the lives of young people.

Founded a decade ago, TRACTION set out to create opportunities for young people who were experiencing, or at risk of, disengagement from school. What started in a quiet former church hall in Yeerongpilly has grown into an established evidence based program that has supported thousands of young people across South East Queensland.

“I started TRACTION to provide an alternative learning environment for young people experiencing challenges – a place where they can feel safe, connect with others, and are supported to build resilience and self-belief. The hope was that if we can be the catalyst for a young person to realise their potential, we could help them alter the trajectory of their whole life,” (Sandy Murdoch, Founder)

How the program works

TRACTION provides safe and inclusive environments where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Each nine-week program pairs six participants with two dedicated mentors – known as “real models” – who are chosen not only for their skills but for their ability to connect, listen, and guide.

One day a week, participants learn hands-on skills through building their own BMX bike from scratch: disassembling, repairing, repainting, and reassembling. At the end, they keep the bike – or sometimes gift it to a sibling. The bike is the project, but the real outcome is confidence, resilience, and belief in what’s possible.

The workshops are intentionally designed to feel more like workplaces than classrooms, encouraging respect, autonomy, and collaboration. Whether in Yeerongpilly, Ipswich, Toowoomba, or other regional centres, TRACTION makes use of community spaces to work alongside schools, teachers, and families.

“TRACTION Mentors see potential in, and meet every young person, where they’re at. They’re trained in ‘The TRACTION Way’ of engaging young people – our practice is trauma-informed and strength-based, and has been developed over 10 years through our experience working alongside young people. Perhaps most impactful however, is the ability of TRACTION Mentors to build rapport and trust with our young people, because this leads to conversations about what our young people are challenged by, and what they are hopeful of for their future. Young people at TRACTION feel seen and heard, and our Mentors provide encouragement at crucial stages in their development so they can realise their potential.”

Why bikes?

At TRACTION, young people get the chance to experience success, as they develop skills and complete projects, like building bikes which they get to keep. TRACTION chose bikes as the vehicle to engage young people because they represent freedom, independence, and possibility. They help people go places! A bike is often a child’s first taste of self-reliance – and for some participants, it’s their first bike altogether. For others, it becomes a gift to a sibling or someone else who needs a bike in their community, opening up powerful peer-to-peer conversations about values and priorities.

The simple act of building a bike creates a metaphor for building a future. Each step requires effort, persistence, and problem-solving – and by the end, young people don’t just have a bike, they have proof that they are capable of achieving more than they thought possible.

“TRACTION is so much more than just the bike – it’s the chance for young people, working in peer groups and supported by our mentors, to experience success together. Our young people discover their strengths, develop new skills and set their sights on their hopes and dreams for the future. Getting on the tools, and building bikes together is a perfect environment to have conversations, and build a sense of belonging. For many of our young people, the relationships they build in the workshop are so crucial for their development and confidence,”

Community and impact

At its core, TRACTION is powered by people. Mentors come from diverse walks of life – First Nations artists, athletes, tradespeople, hospitality workers, psychology students, and more – but all share a commitment to being genuine, trusted adults in the lives of young people.

Over 10 years, TRACTION has supported nearly 3,000 participants, with most of its funding coming from corporate partners, private donors, and community supporters. Events such as the CEO Bike Build and the BEYOND for TRACTION Cycling Challenge not only raise essential funds but also build awareness and deepen connections with the wider community.

Independent evaluation has already demonstrated the measurable value of TRACTION’s approach, showing millions of dollars in positive economic and social impact each year. But for the team, the most meaningful outcomes are the stories shared by young people and their families – stories of resilience, confidence, and new pathways forward.

“Our vision is that all young people can imagine and build their own futures. We believe in building human momentum together and are seeking to drive transformational, intergenerational change for vulnerable young people. An independent evaluation of TRACTION’s bike build program in 2025 confirmed it delivered $6.95m of community impact in one year alone across education, health and economic metrics. Every $1 invested in TRACTION delivers a $3.39 return. Investing in early intervention is a smart choice and we want to help more young people to thrive – because when our young people thrive, we all do.”

Looking ahead

TRACTION’s vision is bold yet simple: that all young people can imagine and build their own futures. With youth disengagement rising – currently 71,000 young people aged 10–14 are disengaged across Queensland, and this is projected to grow to 283,000 by 2030 – the need has never been greater. By creating safe spaces, fostering connection, and empowering young people through real models and hands-on learning, TRACTION is determined to meet this challenge head-on.

Because when young people gain confidence, skills, and hope for their future, it doesn’t just change their lives – it ripples outward, strengthening families, schools, and communities.